STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- World-renowned artist and sculptor Gregory Perillo, who has distinguished himself by his exquisite depictions of the American Indian, among other incredible original works of art, graciously donated a painting of Chief Joseph to The Akta Lakota Museum and Cultural Center, an outreach of St. Joseph's Indian School in Chamberlain, S.D.

Chief Joseph, 1840-1904, one of the first Nez Perce converts to Christianity, was given the Christian name Joseph by the French missionaries by whom he was raised. An American hero, and the only Christian chief in all of the Indian nations, he was educated at the Lapwai Mission.

Perillo, of Tottenville, goes on to explain that Chief Joseph was a man who loved peace, yet when it came time to fight, and his back was against the wall, he proved to be an able warrior.

In fact, his guerrilla warfare tactics are still part of the curriculum at West Point. He also was a great orator who visited Washington and New York several times to seek relief for his tribe. As a leader, he was revered by his people and they followed him, in 1877, across half the continent in a flight from the U.S. Cavalry troops.

A great orator, leader and statesman, Chief Joseph was admired by all for his humane treatment of prisoners, his concern for women, children and the aged — and was especially noted for his ability to use a small force to create a diversion while he led the rest of his people around the bluecoats. He used this tactic successfully several times before his final surrender.

Perillo's special affection for American Indian tribes, is all quite understandable, inasmuch as his dad, an Italian immigrant, had a passion for art and an affinity for American history — so much so that he imbued in his son a spirit of pride and patriotism for our country at a very early age.

And because the elder Perillo wanted so much to be an American, he often studied facts referencing the War of 1812 and the battles that ensued.

In fact, each week, the elder Perillo would escort his son to museums and during evening hours would relate stories about the American West. Within a short span of time, the younger Perillo's interest was piqued and his love for native American Indians surfaced — and continued to flourish.

It wasn't unusual for the Tottenville resident to take trips out West — particularly to Nevada, Wyoming and Arizona to absorb even more about the customs and manner of living that our early settlers know so well. And word is he lived for weeks at a time on Indian reservations in order to sketch and befriend local residents.

Through his amazing works of art, Perillo has authentically portrayed the Sioux, the Cheyenne, the Apache and the Blackfoot and ranch subjects — and during the 1970s he began to produce lifelike sculptures.

CAPT. EGAN RUN/WALK

The Capt. Martin J. Egan, Jr. 5K Memorial Run/Walk is set for Sunday, June 2, at 10 a.m., at the Midland Beach Picnic Area, Capodanno Boulevard and Lincoln Avenue.

Pre-race registration and T-shirt pickup is on Thursday, May 30, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Grant City Tavern on Fremont Avenue in Grant City, and on race day from 8 to 9 a.m.

A children's fun run with medals to all will also be held. Race applications are at www.sirunning.com.

100TH ANNIVERSARY

The Knights of Columbus Assumption Council No. 1694 will celebrate their 100th anniversary on Saturday, June 22, with a mass at 5:30 p.m. at St. Mary of the Assumption R.C. Church, Port Richmond.

The festive occasion will include dinner and other surprises to follow at the Staaten, West Brighton, from 7 to 11 p.m. Tickets are priced at $85.

For additional information, call Tim Geary, 718-490-2708.

CHINESE AUCTION

A Chinese Auction sponsored by St. Paul's Episcopal Church is set for Friday, June 28, at 6:30 p.m. at the Canterbury House, located behind the church at 1331 Bay St., Rosebank.

On offer will be door and table prizes, sweepstakes and super-sweepstakes table and a 50/50.

Complimentary coffee, tea and cake will be served, with additional food available for purchase. The donation is $5.